- The UK is the sole valid bidder for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- The USA will host the 2031 edition with a 48-team tournament format.
- A formal bid submission will be completed by the end of the year.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the United Kingdom’s joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is the only valid bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
The tournament’s expansion to 48 teams in 2031 signals a significant step forward for women’s football. Hosting the event in the UK would continue the momentum gained from the 2022 Women’s Euros, which saw record-breaking attendance and viewership.
Women’s World Cup Returns to the UK in 2035
The UK’s successful bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup highlights the increasing importance of women’s football on the global stage. The home nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—have long been advocates for the growth of the sport, and hosting the tournament is expected to further strengthen the women’s game across Europe.
With the USA set to host the 2031 edition, FIFA has strategically placed the next two tournaments in nations with a rich footballing history. The 48-team expansion will bring more representation, providing opportunities for emerging football nations to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
UEFA and the Football Associations of the UK see this as an opportunity to capitalize on the enthusiasm generated by England’s 2022 Euros victory. Infrastructure and investment will be key areas of focus in the lead-up to 2035, ensuring a world-class experience for players and fans.
Although final confirmation won’t come until 2026, the lack of competing bids makes it highly likely that the UK will be named the official host. This tournament could set new records for attendance, sponsorship, and global engagement, further cementing women’s football as a premier sporting spectacle.
The UK’s hosting of the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a monumental step for women’s football, reinforcing the sport’s rapid growth and global appeal. With increasing investment and fan support, the tournament is set to be a landmark event.
“Football is not just a game, it’s a movement.” – Sarina Wiegman